Construction companies fined $85K after workers exposed to carbon monoxide

Fieldgate Construction Management Inc. and Metro Concrete Works [2016] Inc. were convicted and fined a combined $85,000 after workers were exposed to elevated carbon monoxide levels on July 4, 2023, while finishing concrete on a three-level parking garage at a new car dealership project in Toronto.

Fieldgate, the project's constructor, was fined $55,000. Metro Concrete Works, subcontracted to install a three-inch concrete topping layer, was fined $30,000. Both companies pleaded guilty and were subject to an additional 25 per cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The convictions were handed down August 28, 2026, in Provincial Offences Court in Toronto, with Justice of the Peace Esther N. Daniel presiding.

On the day of the incident, workers were finishing concrete using hand tools and gasoline-powered concrete finishing machines when a Metro worker and several others felt unwell. Emergency Medical Services attended and treated multiple workers for carbon monoxide exposure. Toronto Fire Services tested air in the parking garage and found elevated carbon monoxide levels, then began ventilating the building.

Although both companies had been testing and monitoring air quality, the initial testing showed workers were exposed to carbon monoxide levels exceeding applicable limits. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development investigation found that Level P2 of the parking structure was not being adequately tested for airborne carbon monoxide concentrations in accordance with Ontario Regulation 213/91.

Fieldgate violated section 23(1)(b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act by failing as constructor to ensure prescribed measures and procedures were carried out. Metro violated section 25(1)(c) of the same act by failing as employer to ensure compliance with the regulation. The specific number of workers exposed and whether any sustained permanent injury were not disclosed in the conviction record.